HI HB643

Appropriates $16,500,000 for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to the Department of Human Services and Department of Health to fund outreach, rapid re-housing, housing first, family assessment centers, law enforcement assisted diversion, and coordinated statewide homelessness initiatives.

Establishes a short-term rental assistance pilot program with $800,000 appropriated for each of fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to provide time-limited rental assistance and financial case management to homeless or at-risk families and individuals.

Establishes a long-term rental assistance pilot program with $1,500,000 appropriated for each of fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to provide ongoing rental assistance to individuals over age 60 who are homeless or at imminent risk, ensuring they pay no more than 50 percent of income for rent.

Authorizes the Department of Human Services and Department of Health to merge the new programs with existing assistance programs and establish qualification standards and rules for beneficiaries.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.